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Assess foreign firms before using them
Page 6
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HAULIERS TEMPTED to contract work out to foreign companies under cabotage rules are being warned to carry out risk assessments first, in order to avoid enormous insurance costs following an accident.
Transport lawyer Ian Jones says it is almost impossible to bring a foreign company before a UK court, and any damage to goods will become your liability instead, even if you weren't carrying them.
Alarmingly, due to a legislative loophole, foreign operators can avoid corporate manslaughter charges as well, meaning the UK firm that subbed out the work could be liable. Jones says: "Of course there are benefits. But while looking at the rewards, also look at the risks. The authorities are not going to find someone abroad. You have to check out the conditions of a foreign haulier."
• Turn to page 20 for an investigation into cabotage liability costs.